SIUE Nursing Students Learn Integral Role of U.S. Army Nurses

September 15, 2015, 11:56 AM

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Nursing (SON) students learned the important roles nurses play in the U.S. Army on campus Monday. Army Combat Medic Thomas Fortner gave students a glimpse into the conditions in which military surgical teams provide care, including during combat and humanitarian efforts.

“We use visual aids to offer a different perspective of the nursing field and demonstrate the duties of Army nurses,” Fortner said. “The Army always needs professionals with fresh knowledge who can provide top-notch care. Army nurses provide care in hospitals, aid stations and in Deployable Rapid Assembly Shelters (DRASH) during combat.”

Fortner showed a scaled-down version of a DRASH, describing how the units are dropped from a plane or trucked in and assembled three to five miles from the frontlines. Nurses play an integral role in surgical teams that work in DRASH’s to stabilize wounded soldiers and improve survival rates.

“Our students always enjoy the DRASH presentation,” said Roberta Harrison, assistant dean for undergraduate programs in the SON. “We work closely with SIUE’s Army ROTC program to provide this opportunity for students to learn the importance of communication between team members and the patient hand-off process. It helps them understand the role of the nurse outside of a traditional hospital setting.”

Students were able to speak with military personnel and ask questions regarding scholarships and other opportunities provided by the Army.

“It was helpful to learn what options are out there as I consider how to best utilize my skills and education after I complete my nursing degree,” said Kelsea Cline, junior nursing student. “I was interested to learn the opportunities and benefits available through the Army.”

Photos: U.S. Army Combat Medic Thomas Fortner presents to SIUE School of Nursing students.